Walk & Discover: Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast & Pompeii

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Arrival in Sorrento - Arrive at the airport for your flight to Naples. We transfer by coach to Sorrento, where we stay seven nights with breakfast and dinner at the comfortable three-star Villa Maria.
• Day 2
  Walk: Sorrento - Since ancient Greek and Roman times, Sorrento has been known for its fabulous olive oil and our first walk takes us through the area’s legendary olive groves. Both Green and Blue routes begin in the hilltop village of Annunziata, with scenic views of the island of Capri, and end in Sorrento where the rest of the day is at your leisure. Green Walk - Duration: 3 hours (5.3 miles) Altitude gain: 324 feet Terrain: Stone paths, tarmac and gravel We walk along tiny alleys and olive groves as we pass through the town of Massa Lubrense. As we follow the winding path, we see stone houses and ancient stone walls, and catch views of the beautiful Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance. Take in excellent views over Sorrento as our descent takes us back to the town centre. Blue Walk - Duration: 4 hours (7.2 miles) Altitude gain: 577 feet Terrain: Stone paths, tarmac and gravel From Termini, we make our way down to Annunziata, enjoying stunning views along the way. Our walk continues through olive groves following the same route as the Green walk, stopping at Massa Lubrense along the way.
• Day 3
  Discover: Capri - Today we take a short boat ride to discover Capri’s charms. It has long been the most desirable part of the Bay of Naples, attracting Roman emperors and Hollywood stars alike. The main town is perched on a hill overlooking the quaint harbour, with whitewashed restaurants and shops lining the streets. You have some time to explore the island, maybe join a boat trip around the island or make your way to the famous Blue Grotto – the large sea cave named for the incandescent blue light that bathes the cavern. Take a short walk from the harbour and you’ll find yourself in near-deserted lanes that pass terraced vineyards and lemon groves, with spectacular views of the rugged coastline and sea below – a true Mediterranean paradise.
• Day 4
  Discover: Sorrento - On your free day in Sorrento, perhaps browse the numerous boutiques and sit down to a leisurely lunch in your choice of restaurant.
• Day 5
  Walk: The path of lemons - Today we experience the sublime Amalfi coast as we wind around glorious pine-clad cliffs that tumble into the Mediterranean. Just inland is the stunning village of Ravello, where after some free time to explore, we begin our walk. Green Walk - Duration: 2 hours (3 miles) Altitude gain: 422 feet Terrain: Stone steps, pavement and gravel tracks Blue Walk - Duration: 4 hours (4.7 miles) Altitude gain: 819 feet Terrain: Stone steps, tracks, country roads and gravel tracks Leaving Ravello, we are rewarded with panoramic views of the coast. The Green walk descends a stone stairway through narrow terraces that seem to cling to the hillside, while the Blue route journeys through wooded hills before descending through the terraces.  We follow the delightful Il Sentiero dei Limoni – the Path of Lemons – an enticing walk through the authentic heart of the Amalfi coast, where we get a glimpse of the relaxed pace of life enjoyed by locals. Of course, the path also takes us past the fragrant lemon orchards where the famed Amalfi lemons are grown.  Both walks end in Maiori, a fishing town that was once the principal port of the Republic of Amalfi. There’s free time after to discover the town, so why not wander along the seafront and taste their fresh pasta for which they are famous?
• Day 6
  DISCOVER: Pompeii & Herculaneum - 2023 departures: Later our local guide will bring to life the history of Herculaneum, located in the shadow of mighty Mount Vesuvius. Like Pompeii, it was buried under mud and ash when the volcano erupted in AD79. It wasn’t until the first major excavation in the 18th century that the hidden secrets of this ancient settlement were revealed. It may be less well-known than Pompeii, but the state of preservation of the buildings at Herculaneum is generally far superior.    2024 departures: Later, we’ll visit a family-owned, working farm and enjoy a simple lunch featuring the farm’s own products and other locally sourced ingredients. 
• Day 7
  Walk: Valle delle Farriere - Today we take the Amalfi coast road to the town of Scala, where our Valle delle Ferriere walk begins. Green Walk - Duration: 2.5 hours (3 miles) Altitude gain: 255 feet Terrain: Stone steps (both uphill and downhill), tarmac and woodland paths Blue Walk - Duration: 4 hours (5 miles) Altitude gain: 984 feet Terrain: Stone steps (both uphill and downhill), tarmac and woodland paths The green walk starts in the town of Minuta taking a staircase down to the halmet of Pontone. Here we join the Valle Delle Ferriere nature reserve with its many small waterfalls and historic ruins. The blue walk starts in the town of Scala, following the nature reserve to Pontone, before continuing along the same trail as the green walk to Amalfi.    Both walks end in Amalfi where you will have some free time before returning to Sorrento.
• Day 8
  Return home - Transfer to the airport for your flight home.